Today, President Michael D. Higgins attended the Opening Ceremony of Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford Town…
The ceremony launched a week-long celebration of Irish music, dance, song, storytelling, and comhrá Gaeilge that will run from the 4th to the 11th of August. The event is organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and is hosted by the local Wexford Town Fleadh Executive Committee in association with Wexford County Council.
The President was welcomed by the Fleadh Executive Committee and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, where he gave an address celebrating Wexford Town’s inaugural year hosting the world’s largest traditional music festival. He remarked that Wexford is known globally for its warm welcomes and unforgettable cultural experiences.
President Michael D. Higgins said:
“The Fleadh Cheoil holds a special place in the hearts of the Irish people, both at home and abroad. It is such a significant and special celebratory event in Ireland’s cultural calendar, the largest of its kind in the world, dedicated to celebrating our musical traditions, a time when we come together and welcome so many visitors from around the world who have come to celebrate our Irish music, song, dance and language, that vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish culture that has been woven over centuries”
This year’s theme, ‘A Fleadh for All’, truly embodies the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and diversity. It’s a celebration that warmly welcomes everyone, from seasoned attendees to first-time visitors. The Fleadh will host a significant international audience and feature a diverse lineup of 15,000 musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers from various communities across Ireland, all brought together by their love of traditional Irish music, dance and culture.
With an exciting and varied programme that caters to all tastes, there’s something for everyone at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. Visitors to the town can experience the Fleadh’s acclaimed music and dance competitions, see performances from international and local acts, attend workshops and lectures, learn about the history, and enjoy all Wexford Town has to offer through guided tours. Wexford Town, nestled in Ireland’s Ancient East, provides more than just a picturesque backdrop for the celebrations. Attendees are encouraged to explore the wider county, with its sprawling coastline, bustling towns, and rich history.
Cathaoirleach of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford town. A tremendous amount of preparation, diligence and care has gone into creating what is set to be one of the biggest and best Fleadhs ever. We were honoured to host President Michael D. Higgins, who opened the event today at the gig rig.
We look forward to welcoming over 500,000 visitors to the sunny South East over the next week. We know they will receive a warm welcome and enjoy all our great county has to offer. We ask that people watch the Fleadh website and Social Media for all important event updates. On behalf of Wexford, I wish everyone a happy and enjoyable Fleadh Cheoil.”
Speaking at the launch event, CEO of Fáilte Ireland Paul Kelly said:
“Fáilte Ireland and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann have a long history together and we’re so pleased to support this year’s festival in Wexford. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has developed a spectacular programme which celebrates our traditional music and culture in new and exciting ways that will give visitors the opportunity to experience the very best of what Wexford and Ireland’s Ancient East have to offer. Festivals are crucial to the tourism sector, and with an expected 500,000 domestic and international visitors this year, Fleadh Cheoil will significantly boost the local economy in the Wexford region.”
The Irish diaspora stretches to 80 million people worldwide. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the largest event of its kind, serves as a melting pot of culture, of people coming together to celebrate traditional music and Irish heritage from across the world.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Credit Union and Fáilte Ireland. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.
For more information and to stay updated on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, visit https://fleadhcheoil.ie/
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.